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Holy Week

Day by Day

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Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday.

It is a week when Christians

remember in a special

way the last week of Jesus’ life on

earth. Palm Sunday

reminds us of the day Jesus

arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey

to the cheers of crowds of people.

The people waved palm leaves to

welcome him.

They shouted “Hosannah!”

Hosannah is a word that is used to

express joy and praise.

On Palm Sunday we each receive a

palm, which we can make into the shape of a cross.

1 Why do you think the crowds were cheering and waving palms at Jesus?

2 What does “Hosanna” mean?

3 Think about how the crowds treated Jesus just five days later…

What made them change their minds about Jesus?

Did you know …?

People give back their

palms before Lent begins.

The palms are burned and

are used to make the

ashes for

Ash

Wednesday.

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Monday of Holy Week On Monday of Holy Week, many Christians remember the story of

Jesus entering the temple and being very angry at what he found

there: people were buying and selling things; the temple looked like a

market instead of a holy place of worship.

The temple was a very special place

to Jesus. It was a very special

building in Jerusalem, just like a

church, where people came to

worship God. This is why Jesus

was so upset.

The Gospel writer Mark wrote:

When Jesus reached Jerusalem,

he entered the temple area. He

began chasing out those who were

buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of the people

who were exchanging money…

He told them, "It is written that the Lord said, "'My house will

be called a house where people from all nations can pray.'

1 What is a temple?

2 Why was Jesus upset?

3 The temple was a bit like a church building.

Think about how we should behave in a church.

What signs and gestures do we make to show that a church

is a special place where we pray and worship God?

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Tuesday of Holy Week By the Tuesday after Palm Sunday when the crowds welcomed Jesus

with palms and cheers, Jesus was having to put up with a lot of

suspicion and challenges, especially from a group of people called the

Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees and Sadducees were

very strict Jews who often tried to trick Jesus and turn others

against him. They had political power too.

The Pharisees and Sadducees did not like the fact that Jesus was

becoming very popular. They also did not like the fact that Jesus

talked to sinners and even visited them in their homes. Things were

getting difficult for Jesus …

Around this time, we hear the story of the Widow’s Mite:

One day, Jesus was sitting with his

disciples watching people putting

money into the collection box… Jesus

watched as the rich were giving large

sums of money, but a widow came

along with two small coins in her

hand. The widow put her coins into

the box. Jesus called his disciples

and told them: “Truly I tell you, this

poor widow has put more into the box

than all the others. They all gave

some of their money; but she, in her

poverty, put in everything—all she

had to live on – she gave everything

she had.”

(Mark 12:43–44)

1 Who were the Pharisees and the

Sadducees ?

2 In what way was Jesus losing

popularity?

3 What message was Jesus trying to

give through the story (parable) of

the Widow’s Mite?

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Tuesday of Holy Week (2)

On Tuesday of Holy Week, something very special happens in

catholic cathedrals around the world:

The HOLY OILS that are used during

the year in catholic churches are

blessed at a special Mass called

the CHRISM MASS.

Chrism is an oil used in baptisms, at

Confirmation and at priests’ ordination.

The oil of catechumens is also used at

Baptisms (a catechumen is someone

who is learning all about Jesus). The oil

of the sick is used to anoint people when

they are ill.

Oil is a sign of strength and of the Holy Spirit who gives us strength

to live a Christian life.

All PRIESTS and DEACONS from the area

go to the Chrism Mass. During this Mass, the

priests renew their BAPTISMAL PROMISES

and the promises they made at their ordination (the sacrament they

make when they first become priests or deacons).

Oil of chrism, Oil of catechumens, Oil of the Sick

1 What happens at the Chrism Mass on the Tuesday of Holy

Week?

2 When is chrism oil used?

When is the oil of catechumens used?

When is the oil of the sick used?

3 What is a “deacon”?

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Wednesday of Holy Week

Wednesday of Holy Week is sometimes called “Spy Wednesday”

because it is believed to be the day when Judas, the “spy” apostle

betrayed Jesus by plotting and planning with leaders to have Jesus

arrested.

Judas received a bribe of 30 silver coins (thirty pieces of

silver) from the leaders.

On the night before Jesus’ death, while Jesus

was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane,

Judas went up to Jesus, kissed him and

called him “Rabbi”- a word meaning “Teacher”-

pretending to be his friend.

But the kiss was a sign used by Judas to let the

soldiers know who Jesus was.

The soldiers arrested Jesus.

1 Why is the Wednesday of Holy Week often called “Spy Wednesday”?

2 Why did Judas give Jesus a kiss?

3 What does “Rabbi” mean?

4 Judas was at the Last Supper, Jesus’ final meal with his friends.

How do you think Jesus felt when he was betrayed by one of his close

friends?

5 How do you think Judas must have felt later when he realised what he

had done?

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Holy Thursday (1) Holy Thursday is the Thursday before

Easter. On Holy Thursday, Christians

remember the Last Supper, when

Jesus had his last meal with his

disciples and began for the first time

the EUCHARIST, Holy Communion.

The Last Supper was in fact the

first ever Mass !!

On Holy Thursday evening, we go to the Mass of the Last Supper.

This Mass is the start of The EASTER TRIDUUM. The Easter

Triduum is the three days leading up to Easter Sunday and the

resurrection of Jesus. These three days remember the suffering,

death and resurrection of Jesus.

On Holy Thursday, the priest washes the feet of

twelve people to remember when Jesus himself

washed the feet of his apostles on the same

evening as the Last Supper.

When Jesus washed his friends’ feet he showed

that he was humble and wanted to serve them.

Jesus is often called “The Servant King”. Jesus

wants us to serve one another too.

Remember …

Holy Thursday is the

night on which Jesus

was betrayed by

Judas in the Garden

of Gethsemane,

where the soldiers

came to arrest Jesus

and take him away.

Judas was one of

Jesus’ twelve

apostles.

1 What special meal do Christians remember on Holy

Thursday?

2 What is the EASTER TRIDUUM?

3 Why do people have their feet washed on Holy

Thursday?

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A Very Special Meal

Jesus had a special meal with his friends to celebrate the feast of Passover, a

Jewish feast. It was the last meal he ever had with them, so we call it The

Last Supper.

During this meal, Jesus said some special words to bless the bread and wine.

As he gave the bread to his disciples he said, “This is my body!”

As he passed the cup to his disciples he said, “This is my blood!”

Jesus’ friends must have thought that Jesus’ words were strange –

it was hard to understand what he had said. But through his special

power the bread and wine had changed into

the body and blood of Jesus.

Jesus then said, “Do this in memory of me.”

He meant that in future, every time people gather together and the special

words are said by the priest, the bread and wine would change into his body

and blood - EVERY TIME !!!

This is what happens at Mass. This is why Jesus said he was going away but

would never leave us!

The gift Jesus left for his apostles before he went away was the gift of

HIMSELF. He leaves this gift for us too and we receive this gift every

time we go to Mass. This is why it is so important not to miss Mass.

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Holy Thursday (2)

After the Mass of the Last Supper, we are invited to keep watch

before the tabernacle.

During this very special time we

are just like the disciples of Jesus

who were asked by Jesus to

“stay awake” with him during his

“agony in the garden” before he

was betrayed by Judas and arrested.

After Holy Thursday, no Mass is

celebrated again in the Church until

the Easter Vigil which celebrates the

Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Altar of repose

The altar is stripped bare of all its linen cloths. The altar represents

Christ. Stripping the altar reminds us of Jesus being stripped of his

garments when he was arrested.

The church stays bare until the great celebration of the Easter vigil Mass.

1 What happens after the Mass of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday?

2 What is a monstrance?

3 In what way are we like Jesus’ disciples when we stay and adore

Jesus throughout the night?

4 Why is the altar stripped of its cloths?

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Good Friday Good Friday is the Friday before Easter when Christians remember

the day Jesus was crucified. It is a day of mourning. It is also a day

of fasting when we do not eat meat. We think deeply about Jesus’

suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for us.

On Good Friday, a service (not Mass) takes

place around 3 O’Clock. During the service

we venerate the cross – we kiss

the cross of Jesus.

We listen to the story of Jesus’ suffering

and death. We think deeply about the last

words of Jesus before he died …

“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

“Woman, here is your son … Here is your mother.” (John 19:26)

“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”

(My God, my God, why have you forsaken me)? (Mark 15:34)

“I am thirsty” (John 19:28)

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

1 What happened to Jesus on Good Friday?

2 Why do we not eat meat on Good Friday?

3 Good Friday is a very sad day.

Why do you think we call it “Good” Friday if it is a sad day?

4 Read again the seven last phrases Jesus said when he was dying

on the cross. Discuss with an adult what they all mean.

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Good Friday (2)

Jesus Forgives Sinners

When Jesus was dying on the cross there were two other men on crosses

beside him. They were both criminals. They were robbers. The first

criminal made fun of Jesus and shouted unkind things to him like:

“Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

The second criminal, however, said,

“But we are criminals, we are getting what we

deserved; but he has done nothing wrong.”

And he said to Jesus,

“Remember me when you come as King.”

Jesus said to him, “I promise you that today you will be

with me in paradise.”

1 What is a “robber” ?

2 How do we know that the first criminal was not sorry?

3 What does the second robber ask Jesus?

4 What does it mean when Jesus says “You will be with me in paradise”?

5 What does this story tell us about being sorry ?

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Holy Saturday (1)

On Holy Saturday, we remember the time Jesus lay in the tomb

where he was buried. The church is usually empty and silent, just like

the tomb. It is the last day of Lent.

Some communities have their own

traditions on Holy Saturday. For

example, the Polish community have

“Święconka” or "the blessing of the

Easter baskets." Families bring baskets

of food to church to be blessed by the

priest. The food is then taken back home

and will be used at Easter during their

celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

In the evening the EASTER VIGIL takes place.

This is a very special Mass which lasts about

two hours. The vigil begins in darkness

but everyone is given a candle to be lit

from the large PASCHAL CANDLE.

The change from darkness to light is

a symbol of Jesus coming into our

lives and showing us the way. Jesus is the

LIGHT OF THE WORLD !

1 Why is the church usually empty and silent on Easter Saturday during the daytime?

2 What do Polish communities do on Easter Saturday?

3 What is the name of the special Easter candle?

4 What do the candles represent?

Święconk

a

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Holy Saturday (2)

The Easter Vigil

The Easter Vigil is divided into four parts:

1) the service of light

2) the liturgy of the Word

3) the liturgy of Baptism

4) the liturgy of the Eucharist

Adults who have been preparing to become full members of the Church

make their sacraments at the Easter vigil. These people are called

CATECHUMENS. They have been preparing for at least a full year,

learning all about Jesus. They receive the sacraments of Baptism,

Confirmation and First Communion.

At the Easter vigil, we all renew our baptismal

promises. This means that we make the same

promises that our parents and godparents

made on our behalf when we were baptised

as babies.

The church is no longer bare. It is decorated again

with flowers and images. The priest wears white

and gold colours. We sing the “Alleluia” which

was absent all throughout the forty days of Lent.

Easter is a celebration of the

resurrection of our Lord and of new life.

It is the most important time of the year.

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Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is what we've all been waiting for!

For 40 days we have been preparing for this day!

On Easter Sunday we remember the day Jesus

rose from the dead, the RESURRECTION.

At Mass, we listen to the story of the women who

visited Jesus’ tomb and found that he had risen

from the dead.

Everyone renews their baptismal promises.

The week after Easter is called the

“Octave of Easter” and is a week of more

celebration! In fact, the Easter season, Eastertide,

lasts for fifty days until Pentecost. During these

fifty days, we listen to stories of Jesus appearing to his

disciples and others.

Just imagine how joyful the disciples must have felt

when they saw Jesus again!

Eastertide is a season of CELEBRATION.

The Easter eggs

we give to one

another

at Easter are

symbols of the

stone

that guarded the

tomb, and of new

life

1 For how long do we prepare for Easter?

2 What story do we listen to at Mass on Easter Sunday?

3 What is the “Octave of Easter”?

4 For how long does the Easter season last?

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Easter Sunday Morning

Early in the morning, Mary

Magdalene went to the tomb where

Jesus’ body had been buried. She saw

That the stone had been rolled away

from the tomb. She ran to tell

Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one

Jesus loved, and said:

“They have taken the Lord out of the

tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

Simon Peter and the other disciple ran to the

tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple

outran Simon Peter and reached the tomb first. He

looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did

not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him

and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips

of linen lying there, and the cloth that had been

wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying

in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the

other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also

went inside. He saw and believed.

Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Mary stood by the tomb crying. As she cried, she looked into the

tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had

been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her:

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“Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said,

“and I don’t know where they have put him.”

Then she turned around and saw Jesus

standing there, but she did not realise that

it was Jesus. She thought he was a

gardener. He asked her,

“Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said,

“Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put

him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which

means “Teacher”).

Jesus said:

“Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.

Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my

Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news:

“I have seen the Lord!”

And she told them that he had said these things to her.

1 Why did Mary Magdalene go to Jesus’ tomb?

2 How do you think Mary felt when she saw the empty tomb?

3 Mary ran to tell Simon Peter and “the disciple Jesus loved”.

Who was “the disciple Jesus loved”?

4 Mary did not recognise Jesus at first. When did she eventually recognise

him?

5 What does “Rabboni” mean?

6 What do you think the disciples said to Mary when she told them that she

had seen Jesus?